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Take It Outside

I was running outdoors yesterday evening because I no longer have an indoor gym membership and thought how meaningful things could be when you just take it outside! While running I pass several people, level ground, crisp air…it’s nice! My pace is in full gear, steady breathing and I am passing several people. This one man I pass says to me quickly, “That’s some motivation! You getting ready for the summer!” I laughed… kept running. He says, “I’m about to run with you!”

Don’t worry…I am safe, God is with me.

It is funny how influential we can really be. In everything we do and in every place. But most importantly, how effective we can be in setting an example if we “Take It Outdoors!”

And He said to them, “Go into ALL the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by NO MEANS hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they WILL recover.”
Mark 16:15-18 New King James Version

In my walk, I am all about recovery! If anyone knows me or understands my vision, it is about renewal, restoration and rebuilding! That is what has been branded upon my soul beginning February 2015. That is my task and that is my assignment. I am here for that purpose as Jesus said.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, the planing of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 New King James Version

That is what we are here for. Christ lives in us, this is the message we proclaim to the ends of the earth. You see people come to church and it is a part of our fellowship. We can see miracles, signs and wonders behind those four walls BUT what God can do is beyond those walls of our church building and church pews! He wants us to take it to the streets! He wants us to impact not just the ones inside the house but those that are living on the outskirts!

That is the gospel…it is the good news…and we carry it out. We can do immaculate things in the temples! Great worship services! Powerful movements and prayers…but what about those that are NOT there? How easily we can be an inspiration and motivation for people you even pass on the street! That is the gospel. Instead of getting frustrated on that long Christmas gift line, at the post office, in the parking lot or at the bagel shop–how are you ministering the gospel with your actions?

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Matthew 5:13 New King James Version

Some of us are losing our flavor for the things of God. We are losing our fire, our momentum and our LOVE! The bible says in the last days that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)! Let that not be you or I. Even with our family members that are unsaved…don’t let them see you cold! Fight the good fight! Keep the faith! Keep the love of God pouring out–be a WELL! Be a place they can GO TO –not get frustrated with!

Church–it is time for us to take it outside! It is time for us to shine that light! It is time for us to radiate because this is truly the last days. So much MORE can be done through the outskirts of our city! Just as the apostles were moving about two by two and even after Jesus’ ascension…they were bold!

Peter was used as a vessel to bring healing to the crippled man sitting OUTSIDE the church.

Philip brought the gospel to an Ethiopian on a boat.

Paul preached to the sailors during a shipwreck.

What are you doing? Are you taking this gospel OUT and using your tools to not show the world you have 1 foot in and 1 foot out but that your ROOTS are firm IN God! That you are that tree of righteousness! That you are a vessel for the Lord! Are you a kingdom general? Take it outside! It is not just to serve on Sunday! Some of us are like the made up Santa! We can’t be secret service Christians! We have to take it to the streets that immediately people can see–there IS something different about you! That there is a God that LIVES IN YOU!

The same way simple outdoor running gets people to look at you and say WOW…she is taking it outside! Is the same way they can see that light in you! At all times. My smile radiant. My attitude intact. My conduct careful and integral. God did that! And He can use you! Everyone indoors is typically there at the gym, church, etc., already for a common purpose. So we need the outdoors.

Take it outside! Walk in love, in every season not just for the holidays! The real saving–is done for that one who is not within the four walls of our churches. You know who that one and others are…. lead the way! Set the pace! Beyond motivation begin the mentoring! We shall make disciples in all nations, that is the commission of Jesus.

Start Today!

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Christina Blessings to all that are viewing this. My name is Christina Cruz-Mendez. I am a Pastor at Mission United International Church in Yonkers, NY working along side my husband Juan A. Mendez Jr. Senior Pastor. We have been together for 25 years with 2 children that God has blessed us with. Makes us the family of four - "JusChrist4". I have been a Christian and active in ministry for about 17 years now. Through all the rocky and smooth roads in life I am eternally grateful that God has brought me this far in life to share with the world what He is doing in me, through me and for me.

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One thought on “Take It Outside”

That is so scary; the love of many will grow cold! Oh my Jesus help us(me) to maintain that fire burning for you, our(my) focus on you no matter what the(my) situation is. Let your love which is in me grow stronger each day, may I be a blessing to those around me, may they see you thru me, may my actions speak for itself of who I am in you Jesus.
Jesus I need you more than ever in my life.! Please Lord don’t allow my love to grow weary and cold!!!!